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On March 31, initiated by the deputies of the economic bloc of the RA NA Civil Contract Faction, a working debate on the restrictions for the use of tobacco products in public catering establishments was held.

The NA deputies, the representatives of the RA Government and economic entities took part in the debate.

The Deputy Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Babken Tunyan noted that the restrictions on smoking in public catering establishments and other places has come into force from March 15. Afterwards, a number of complaints and suggestions were received from the economic entities, particularly smoking clubs. According to Babken Tunyan, as a result of the law enforcement, the specialized smoking halls are on the verge of closing.

The Chairman of the Hookah-Business Cooperation Union NGO Zhora Panosyan has informed that they propose to set up a separate license for hookah clubs, and are ready to remove the kitchen from their clubs and pay taxes to avoid unequal competition.

The NA deputy Arsen Torosyan stated that no official from either the Government or the National Assembly wants to bankrupt any economic entity. According to him, the law is aimed at health protection of the population, especially adolescents. The deputy has noted that the law is comprehensive, it covers all aspects and has been highly assessed by the international colleagues. In Arsen Torosyan’s opinion, the law does not need amendments: it fully serves its purpose.

Although the restrictions did not immediately come into force and the economic entities were given two years to adapt to the changes, nevertheless, they consider the year 2020 lost because of the pandemic and the damages caused by the war. While highlighting the steps taken to protect the health of the population, the deputies of the economic bloc of the RA NA Civil Contract Faction simultaneously noted that the current economic situation, the possibilities of maintaining and controlling a number of restrictions should be taken into account.

The economic entities expressed hope that the debate will contribute to the amendment of the law.

The second part of the debate was held in closed format.

The Deputy Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Babken Tunyan, summarizing the debate, expressed readiness to listen to the proposals and find solutions.